Dispensing carton



United States Patent 3,081,927 DISPENSING CARTON Lewis J. Hayhurst,Glenview, Ill., assignor to National Dairy Products (Jorporation, NewYork, N.Y., a corporation of Delaware Filed May 29, 1961, Ser. No.113,431 6 (Ilaims. (Cl. 229-17) This invention relates generally todisposable containers for liquids and, in particular, it relates tocontainers of this type which are provided with a collapsible pouringspout.

In the packaging of liquids, and in particular, of liquid foods, it iscommon to use disposable containers which are adapted to hold a certainquantity of the liquid, and which can be discarded after they have beenemptied of their contents. The use of such containers permits convenientand economical distribution of the liquid without the necessity ofhandling a large number of emptied bottles 'on a return basis.

Containers of this type are frequently provided with a means tofacilitate the dispensing of the liquid. Some such containers have ontheir upper surface an opening fitted with a stopper which can beremoved incident to the initial opening of the container and reinsertedto close the opening if all of the contents of the container are notused. This closure, while generally satisfactory, does not provide apouring spout and consequently dispensing of the liquid is sometimesdifficult. Further, the stopper gradually becomes worn and eventually nolonger provides a satisfactory closure for the container opening ifremoved and reinserted repeatedly.

Another form of container now widely used includes a collapsible pouringspout. The upper portions of one pair of opposing side walls of thiscontainer taper inwardly at the top to form a gable over the inwardlyfolded adjacent walls, and the container is opened by manually spreadingthe tapered side Walls at one end and unfolding the intermediate wall toform the spout. The disadvantage of this form of container, however, isthat its upper surface is not flat and, consequently, the containers cannot be conveniently stacked.

Accordingly, the principal object of the present invention is to providean improved disposable container having a collapsible pouring spout. Amore specific object of the invention is to provide a container having acollapsible pouring spout and a flat upper surface which will permit thecontainers to be stacked one upon the other. A further object of thepresent invention is to provide a collapsible'spout container, whichcontainer is convenient and economical to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent withreference to the following description and accompanying drawings of apreferred embodiment of a container in accordance with the invention.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the container, partially broken awayand with the bottom portion of the container displaced to aid theillustration;

FIGURES 2, 3, and 4 are fragmentary perspective views of the upper endof the container of FIGURE 1, illustrating respectively the sequence ofsteps by which the container is opened and a pouring spout formed.

FIGURE 5 is a partially broken away plan view of a blank for forming thetop and walls of the container of FIGURE 1.

A container 11 in accordance with the present invention is illustratedin its assembled form in FIGURE 1. It comprises a shell or body portion13, a bottom closure 15, and a top closure .17. The :shell 13 includesfour rectangular wall panels, designated for convenience of adhesive.

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reference as a front wall .19, a rear wall 21, and side walls 23 and 25.The top closure and all of the walls panels are formed from a singleblank 27 (FIGURE 5), adjacent wall panels being defined between foldlines 29, and a joint being made between the rear wall 21 and side wall25.

As seen best from the blank form 27 in FIGURE 5, the joint is formed byfolding a longitudinal edge flap 31, integral with the rear wall 21,over the adjacent side wall 25. The fiap 31 is bonded to the side wall25 by a suitable When the walls of the container are in an assembledcondition, as shown in FIGURE 1, the shell 13 has a square orrectangular cross-section.

The bottom closure 15 of the container 11 includes a base panel 33,which is substantially the same size and shape as the cross-section ofthe shell 13, and a peripheral skirt 35 which is folded back on itselfon all four sides to form peripheral grooves 37 which receive the loweredges of the wall members of the shell -13 to assemble the bottomclosure 15 with the shell.

The container '11 is normally assembled by first folding and joining thewall panels and then by folding and sealing the top closure 17, still tobe described in detail. The container is then filled in an invertedposition through its lower end, after which the bottom 15 is attached asthe final step in the assembly and filling of the container.

The top closure 17 comprises in part a fixed wall 42 which defines atrapezoidally-shaped opening 43, and a collapsible pouring spout 45which is connected to the container by fold lines along edges of theopening 43.

The wall 42 is formed of a pair of side flaps 47 and a rear flap 49which overlies the side flaps: when the container is in the assembledcondition, as can be seen in FIGURE 4. Each of the side flaps 47 istrapezoidal in shape, having parallel upper and lower edges 51 and 53, arear edge 55 which is generally normal to the upper and lower edges, anda rearwardly inclined forward edge 57 which partially defines theopening 43. The angle between each of the edges 57 and the edges 53 isapproximately 45 degrees.

The lower edge 53 constitutes a fold line which connects each flap 47 tothe upper edge of one of the side walls 23 or 25. As can be seen by thedotted lines in FIGURE 4, the side flaps 47 are normally in a horizontalposition and, when so disposed, the length of the rear edges 55 is suchthat the upper edges 51 of the panels are in an abutting relationship toone another when folded.

The remaining element of the fixed wall 42 is the rear flap 49 which isgenerally rectangular and positioned in partially overlying relation tothe side flaps 47 so as to provide a double thickness of material overthe area covered by the fixed wall 42. The rear flap 49 includes aforward edge 59, side edges 61, and a rearward edge 63. The rear edge 63constitutes a fold line by which the flap is attached to the upper edgeof the rear wall 21 of the container.

It will be noted in FIGURE 4 that the length of the side edges 51 of therear flap 49 is somewhat greater than the length of the upper edges SIof the inclined side flaps 4'7, and that the rear flap overlaps aportion of the edges 57. Hence, there is a small triangularly-shapedarea, adjacent the forward edge 59 of the rear flap and designated bythe numeral 65 in FIGURE 4, which does not overlie any portion of theside flaps 47. The forward edge 59 is indented slightly at 64 adjacentthe area 65, and the area 65 is depressed slightly to accommodate aportion of the pouring spout 45, as will be seen shortly.

The opening 43, previously referred to as trapezoidal in shape, includesa pair of parallel edges and a pair of inclined edges. The paralleledges comprise a base edge 66 which is the longer of the two and whichis defined by the upper edge of the front panel 19, and a top edgedefined by the indentation 6d of the rear flap 49. The side edges of theopenin 43 are defined by the rearwardly inclined forward edges 57 of theside flaps 47. It is noted that since the rear flap 49 overlaps somewhatthe edges 57 of the side flaps 47, the side edges of the opening 43 arenot equal in length to the edges 57. The side edges are, however, equalin length to one another and form an angle of approximately 45 degreeswith the base edge 66.

The pouring spout 45 is constructed so that it can be collapsed in sucha manner as to provide a fiat surface which will accommodate thestacking of the containers while still providing a satisfactory seal.The spout 45 comprises a triangular forward panel 67 and a pair ofinverted triangular end panels 68, one of which is disposed along eachside of the forward panel. Fold lines 69, constituting (when the cartonis in blank form, FIGURE extensions of the fold line 29 between thefront panel 19 and side panels 25, divide each of the panels 68 into atriangular upper end panel 71} and a triangular lower end panel 71.

The triangular forward panel 67 is in the shape of an isosceles triangleand includes a base edge which is equal in length to the base edge 66 ofthe opening 43, and side edges 75 and 77 which are of equal length andslightly longer than the length of the inclined edges 57 of the sidepanels 51. Thus, the panel 67 overlies the opening 43 and the depressedarea 65, completely covering the opening with the apex of the paneloverlying the area 65. The

apex of the panel 67 may be conveniently bonded to the area 65 to sealthe opening.

All of the edges of the forward panel 67 constitute fold lines by whichthe panel is connected to the walls of the container and to the endpanels 68, the base edge 66 constituting a fold line which connects thepanel 67 with the upper edge of the front wall 19 of the container, andthe side edges 75 and 77 constituting fold lines which interconnect thepanel 67 with the end panels 68.

Both the upper and lower end panels 78' and 71 of the end panel 68 arein the shape of an isosceles right triangle. The lower panels 71 includea hypotenuse which is equal in length to the length of a side edge ofthe opening 43, and legs 79 which are equal in length to the distancebetween one end of the indentation 64 and the adjacent side wall of thecontainer. The upper panels 70 include a hypotenuse equal in length tothe length of one of the legs of the forward panel 67, and legs equal inlength to one half the length of the base edge 66 of the opening 43.

As can be seen in FIGURE 5, the upper panels 71 complement the forwardpanel 67 such that the three panels constitute a rectangle. Also, sincethe legs of the upper panels 70 are longer than the legs of the lowerpanels 71 measured along the fold line 77, an edge 86 of the upper paneloverlaps the lower panel and provides a finger grip when the panels arein side-by-side relation, as shown for example in FIGURE 3.

The upper end panels 70 are connected to the forward triangular panel 67along what would constitute the hypotenuse of the former by the foldlines 75 and 77 as previously set forth. The lower end panels 71 areconnected along their hypotenuse to the inclined edge 57 of the sideflaps 47 of the flat wall 42. Hence, the pouring spout 45 is formed of aseries of interconnected, triangularly-shaped panels which permit thespout to assume both the collapsed position shown in FIGURE 1 and openposition shown in FIGURE 4.

Referring to the FIGURES l and 2, it will be noted that when the spout4-5 is folded into the collapsed position, the upper surface of the topclosure 17 is essentially flat, and would permit the container to bestacked, as for example in a carton or for display purposes. The flatsurfaces of the containers also permits them to be packaged in such amanner that all of the space within the carton is utilized, a featureheretofore not possible with the container in which the side walls taperto a single edge at the top.

In the open position, the spout 4-5 defines a discharge opening 82(FIGURE 4) having walls tapering to a single point so as to assure anaccurate pouring of the contents of the package. Also, when the spout isfully open, the forward triangular panel 67 may be disposed in the sameplane as the front wall 19 of the container, or at an obtuse angle tothe front wall, thus eliminating any corner or cavities where a portionof the liquid might accumulate and become inaccessible.

The pouring spout 45 may be maintained in the collapsed condition by asuitable adhesive by some form of a fastener, such as a tape 81 as shownin FIGURES 1 and 2. The tape 81 is provided with an adhesive of someform on its inner surface which will cause it to adhere to the outersurface of the container. One edge of the tape 81 is not coated, as at83, so that the tape may be easily grasped and removed when it isdesired to open the container.

It will be noted from the drawing that the upper end panel 70 flexesrelative to the triangular forward panel 67 through an angle of over 180degrees when the pouring spout is moved from a collapsed to an openposition. Further, it is noted that the apex of the triangular forwardpanel is temporarily bonded to the depressed area 65 of the flap 47 andthat this apex will also flex through a considerable angle in theopening of the package. Accordingly, in order to strengthen this portionof the spout and also to provide a more sturdy surface to be bonded tothe depressed area 65, the lip 85 of the pouring spout is coated with alacquer or similar stiffening substances as shown by shading in FIGURE5.

Assuming that the pouring spout is in the collapsed position as shown inFIGURE 1, the container 11 is opened by grasping the edge 83 of the tapeand pulling it upwardly and toward the rear wall 21 until the tape is nolonger in contact with the pouring spout 45. This will release theopposing pairs of end walls 68 on each side of the spout, rendering themliftable to the position shown in FIGURE 3. The edges (FIGURE 3) of theupper end panel may then be grasped with the fingers of each hand andlifted upwardly until the spout snaps into the position shown in FIGURE4.

To close the container, as for the purpose of storing an unused portion,the triangular panel 67 is pressed at a point slightly above its centerwhich causes the spout to snap back into the position shown in FIGURE 3.In this position, the spout provides a substantially complete closurefor the container which, while not suitable for transporting the liquid,will safely preserve its contents while they are being stored.

A container has thus been described which includes a collapsible pouringspout. The spout greatly facilitates the dispensing of liquids when inthe open position, provides an effective seal for the container when inthe semiclosed position, and provides a flat upper surface for thecontainer when in the completely closed position.

Various of the features of the invention are set forth in the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:

-1. A disposable container for liquids, which container comprises ahollow elongated shell, the walls of which define an opening, and acollapsible pouring spout at least partially surrounding said opening,said spout including a first panel connected along one edge ofsaidopening defining wall by means of a fold line, and a pair of endcomprises a hollow elongated shell, the walls of which define anopening, and a collapsible pouring spout at least partially surroundingsaid opening, said spout including a first panel connected along oneedge of said opening defining wall by means of a fold line, and a pairof end panels, each of which is connected to a side edge of said firstpanel and to an edge of said opening defining wall by means of a foldline, each of said end panels being divided into two sections by a foldline extending from a point on the edge of said opening to anunconnected edge of said panel, said spout being collapsible to asubstantially flat position in which said first panel overlies saidopening and said end panels are folded upon themselves and overlie saidfirst panel.

3. A disposable container for liquids, which container comprises ahollow elongated shell including a flat wall at one end, the walls ofsaid shell defining an opening, and a collapsible pouring spout at leastpartially surrounding said opening, said spout including a first panelconnected along one edge of the wall defining said opening by means of afold line, and a pair of end panels each of which is connected to a sideedge of said first panel and to an edge of said wall defining saidopening by means of a fold line, each of said end panels being dividedinto two sections by a third fold line extending from a point on theedge of said opening to an unconnected edge of said panel, said spoutbeing collapsible to a substantially fiat position in which said firstpanel overlies said opening and said end panels are folded uponthemselves and overlie said first panel.

4. A disposable container for liquids, which container comprises ahollow elongated shell including a fiat wall at one end, the walls ofsaid shell defining an opening, and a collapsible pouring spout at leastpartially surrounding said opening, said spout including atriangularlyshaped first panel connected along its base edge to one edgeof said wall defining said opening by means of a fold line and adaptedto be bonded to a portion of said flat wall, and a pair of end panels,each of which is connected to a side edge of said first panel and to anedge of said wall defining said opening by means of a fold line, each ofsaid end panels being divided into two triangularly-shaped sections by afold line extending from a point on the edge of said opening to anunconnected edge of said panel, said spout being thereby collapsible toa substantially flat position in which said first panel overlies saidopening and said end panels are folded upon themselves and overlie saidfirst panel.

5. A disposable container for liquids, which container comprises ahollow elongated shell including a flat wall at one end, the walls ofsaid shell defining an opening, and a collapsible pouring spout at leastpartially surrounding said opening, said spout including a triangularfirst panel connected along its base edge to one edge of said walldefining said opening by means of a fold line and adapted to be bondedat its apex to a portion of said flat wall, said fiat wall and saidfirst panel being coated with a binding material over the areas to bebonded, and a pair of end panels, each of which is connected to a sideedge of said first panel and to an edge of said wall defining saidopening by means of fold lines, each of said end panels being dividedinto two triangularly-shaped sections by a fold line extending from apoint on the edge of said wall defining said opening to an unconnectededge of said panel, said spout being thereby collapsible to asubstantially flat position in which said first panel overlies saidopening and said end panels are folded upon themselves and overlie saidfirst panel, and means for holding said spout in said collapsedposition.

6. A disposable container for liquids, which container comprises ahollow elongated shell including a flat wall at one end, the walls ofsaid shell defining an opening, and a collapsible pouring spout at leastpartially surrounding said opening, said spout including a triangularfirst panel connected along its base edge to one edge of said walldefining said opening by means of fold lines and adapted to be bonded atits apex to a portion of said fiat :wall, the portion of said flat wallwhich is to be bonded and the lip of said pouring spout being coatedwith a binding material, and a pair of end panels, each of which isconnected to a side edge of said first panel and to an edge of said walldefining said opening by means of fold lines, each of said end panelsbeing divided into two triangularly-shaped sections by a fold lineextending from a point on the edge of said opening to an unconnectededge of said panel, said spout being thereby collapsible to asubstantially fiat position in which said first panel overlies saidopening and said end panels are folded upon themselves and overlie saidfirst panel, and means for holding said spout in said collapsedposition.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,034,594 Norris et al Mar. 17, 1936 2,861,732 Parker 'Nov. 25, 19582,928,579 Graybill Mar. 15, 1960 FOREIGN PATENTS 113,928 Sweden Apr. 24,1945

1. A DISPOSABLE CONTAINER FOR LIQUIDS, WHICH CONTAINER COMPRISES AHOLLOW ELONGATED SHELL, THE WALLS OF WHICH DEFINE AN OPENING, AND ACOLLAPSIBLE POURING SPOUT AT LEAST PARTIALLY SURROUNDING SAID OPENING,SAID SPOUT INCLUDING A FIRST PANEL CONNECTED ALONG ONE EDGE OF SAIDOPENING DEFINING WALL BY MEANS OF A FOLD LINE, AND A PAIR OF END PANELS,EACH OF WHICH IS CONNECTED TO A SIDE EDGE OF SAID FIRST PANEL AND TO AEDGE OF SAID OPENING DEFINING WALL BY MEANS OF A FOLD LINE, SAID SPOUTBEING COLLAPSIBLE TO A SUBSTANTIALLY FLAT POSITION IN WHICH SAID FIRSTPANEL OVERLIES SAID OPENING AND SAID END PANELS ARE FOLDED UPONTHEMSELVES AND OVERLIE SAID FIRST PANEL.